What a great match featuring two wrestlers that trained, drilled and perfected their skills while competing on the same team during their younger years.
Jason Johnstone, a 5th year senior at Ohio State and Thomas Straughn, a sophomore at Notre Dame, didn't disappoint the fans one bit and let it all hang out. It was a rare treat to witness two wrestlers that practically helped form TEAM ROEHLIG WRESTLING. As a matter of fact, it was Jason that actually created the name and convinced me to use it.
Little did I know, 9 years later, two wrestlers that were once teammates would be squaring off against one anther representing two different schools.
I won't go into great detail regarding the scoring, but I will say it was 3 - 2 Straughn going into the 3rd period with Jason having been warned for stalling already once. Jason and Thomas both stayed aggressive with their attacks. Thomas got a little anxious early in the third period which was exactly what Jason anticipated. One counter and a few turns later the match ended with Jason getting his hand raised.
After the match it was nice to hear how they both described their experience. Jason was really funny by commenting on Thomas's "2 on 1" attacks by saying "I forgot about his those", which was a classic comment. Thomas on the other hand was equally impressed with the outcome knowing he didn't win by points, the respect he's always had for Jason and now having the memory of leading by 1 with a little over a minute to go against him in a live match will certainly be something to build off of. Without a doubt a match to remember.
This was the first time two Team Roehlig students matched up against one another "after HS" and for me, it will never be forgotten.
Congratulations to both Jason and Thomas for showing such great sportsmanship and respect for one another. Words can describe the feelings I had knowing the history we've all had together and having this match to top everything off.
Unbelievable !
-- T --
EXTRA.....
Russ Hellickson Award
Last year Ohio State honored a tremendous coach and leader Russ Hellickson by creating an award for each home dual meet. The Russ Hellickson Award will be given to an Ohio State student-athlete with the most outstanding dual meet performance. This past weekend two awards were handed out. Congratulations to Colt Sponseller and Jason Johnstone.
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2 comments:
Tommy, this was also one of the most memorable moments of my wrestling career as well. Having bob, my parents, coach riggs, and especially you there to watch was an absolute thrill and let me just say that it was one of the most intense matches i've ever been apart of. I never thought Danielson would get his shot at Mr. Miyagi, but he did and it turned out to be one heck of a match. Thanks for everything and stay in touch.
Jason
Jason, Thank you for posting. As I tried explaining, words can't describe the feelings I had on the ride down, let alone watching you two warm up, all the way up to the handshake. You said it well with Miyagi and Danielson. That day will be added to the many memories I have of both You and Thomas. I felt very privileged to witness it. It was nice to see your parents as well.
With respect, I'm extremely proud of you and I'm glad to see your doing well. This will be a great year for you. I hope to see you over the holidays.
Stay in touch and I'll do the same
-- T --
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